GILLINGHAM   1     BIRMINGHAM  2

          King - 26

                                   M. Johnson - 78

                                   Horsfield - 90

At Priestfield

2nd December 2000

Att: 9,247

Trevor Francis’ side came from behind to condemn Gillingham to a third successive home defeat in the most painful of ways, though it was a result the visitors deserved.

Birmingham had Martin Grainger sent off after 74 minutes for a foul on Nicky Southall, who had earlier missed a penalty when Gillingham were 1-0 up.

The defeat was another bitter blow for the Gills, who lost in the same manner at St Andrews five weeks ago.

Gillingham were without player-manager Andy Hessenthaler who was suspended. But Marlon King, a £255,000 buy from Barnet, fired them in front when he latched on to a long ball from Mark Patterson.

The Gills had already had a fright when Adrian Pennock was forced to clear off the line after Southall's back pass let in Dele Adebola.

The home team almost went further in front early in the second half when Barry Ashby's flicked header was cleared off the line by Michael Johnson, and then Patterson almost got on the end of Southall's long cross to the far post.

Then came the crucial incident that led to the penalty. King was involved again, going down on the edge of the area, and referee Neale Barry pointed to the spot.

Martin O'Connor was booked for dissent but Southall, usually reliable from the spot, sent his effort over the bar.

Grainger got his marching orders 16 minutes from time for a heavy challenge on Southall before Birmingham levelled.

Johnson headed in a cross from the right for his first league goal of the season, having got the last-minute winner which knocked Newcastle out of the Worthington Cup on Wednesday.

Gillingham made a double substitution, bringing on top scorer Andy Thomson and Iffy Onuora. Thomson soon went close with a close-range effort that was kept out by Bennett.